This past week we went on two field trips to support our understanding of both historical and contemporary immigration. First, we went to Ellis island and then two days later we were off to Washington Square Park, where students made observational sketches of Ai Weiwei’s artwork under the arch. Then students interviewed people in the park. In preparation for the trip, students read an article about Ai Weiwei’s exhibit, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors,” which is comprised of over 300 pieces currently installed throughout New York City. Students read the article carefully, (see examples of their note-taking below) and then came up with questions to ask people in the park.

This was our second experience this year going to Washington Square Park, observing art, and thinking about immigration. How fortunate we are to be able to walk out our door and within a few blocks, see things and talk to people who can help us build a better understanding of our world.

From “Huge immigration-themed exhibit takes shape around New York City,” by Associated Press, adapted by Newsela staff 10/16/17

 

Harley reports:

And refugees need respect. They’re just people, like everyone else in the world.

I think Ai Weiwei’s art meant refugees leaving their country. I think this because one woman, when asked the question, “What does the art mean to you?” said “It looks like a cage. But people broke through it.” In my opinion, the cage is a country, and the hole in it was made by refugees.

For me, the arch is a reason to leave your country. The cage is the country, and the hole is people escaping. I think the arch is a reason to leave your country because it’s what covers the cage. And the cage is the country. The hole is people leaving because it’s like a big rip as if there was someone in the cage who broke through.

My questions are: Why do refugees come to America? Do they always come to America? And if they don’t, where do they go?

Next, I think we should spread awareness of the refugee situation. I think we should do this because the current president thinks refugees shouldn’t come to America. But if they can’t get into America, they don’t really have anywhere else to go. Ways we can spread awareness are posters, buttons, protests etc..The more people who know about the refugee situation, the more people who don’t respect refugees might start respecting them. And refugees need respect. They’re just people, like everyone else in the world.

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Sebastian reports:

I thought that was a good answer because I believe in what they said and it makes sense because everyone on earth deserves a right to speak and get what they need.

The most interesting thing about the Ai Weiwei trip was when I asked someone,“What does this sculpture mean to you?” They said, “It means that people have a right to speak.” I thought that was a good answer because I believe in what they said and it makes sense because everyone on earth deserves a right to speak and get what they need.

I noticed most of the Asian people knew Ai Weiwei and non-Asians didn’t. A lot of people were there. Kids were at the playground.

My reactions were, “Wow the sculpture looks smaller than in the picture.”” I like interviewing, people it’s fun.” “Wow! Ai Weiwei I know him.” “Very good answer.” “I fully agree about what you said.” “This is so fun to draw.” “This is the second time I have seen Ai Weiwei’s work. I have seen it on Alcatraz island.”

Why did we go to Ai Weiwei’s exhibit? If it’s about refugees why were we there if we’re studying about immigrants?

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The Amazing Ai Weiwei Trip

by Arlo

The “Arch” is a piece of artwork that is under the arch in Washington Square Park.  There are two refugees passing through the cage. We went there on Thursday. We came up with questions to ask people who were passing through the arch. We came up with five questions for homework on Wednesday. Libi and I interviewed people who were admiring the art and we got a lot of answers.  But some people don’t know anything about the “Arch” and that is not good at all.

I also have some questions about the artwork. I don’t know why Ai Weiwei had to place the artwork under the Washington Square Arch? I wonder what tools the artist used? And why he decided to put a mirror inside of it?  I think the next trip we should go on is to another Ai Weiwei structure about refugees and immigrants. Or an immigration museum like Ellis Island.  Or we can find another immigrant related piece of art.

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Libi reports:

On Thursday, December 7 we went to Washington Square Park to see some of Ai Weiwei’s work in his exhibition, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors.” We saw some students from the New School there doing exactly what we were doing.

The art was silver, the inside was kind of like a mirror, shiny and reflecting. The outside was barred and looked like a fence (obviously.) Our class interviewed people. A lot of people said that their parents were immigrants from Italy. One person named Naz said that she emigrated from Turkey to get a better education. A very kind man named Dan said that he would rather the Christmas tree be there. He said, “This art is nice, it has a nice meaning, but it’s a tradition for the Christmas tree to be there.”

I think that we should go there again and interview other people.

Hanako reports:

“That’s right!” go to 6th grade and take your friend with you.”

(December 7, 2017) The arch was huge with statues of Washington, stone angels and a quote by George Washington. Sonia and I interviewed a man. After we finished asking him questions, he asked us this,”Do you know why there are 13 stars on the arch?” We answered,”The 13 colonies.” he said, ”That’s right. If you get this right, you can go straight to 6th grade. What do the 42 stars mean on the arch?” Sonia and I thought for a moment and then Sonia said, “Because at the time the arch was built there were only 42 states.” The man said, “That’s right!” go to 6th grade and take your friend with you.”

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Alejandro reports:

My partner Saffron and I walked up to the great arch. It had humongous stone angels with words carved on top. Right inside of it was a huge metal cage just small enough to fit in the arch. Right in the middle of the cage there was a hole that looked as though a stuffed animal bear smashed through the cage. When you could walk through the hole there is silver all around you.

First, we sat and sketched the cage.

After I finished drawing the cage, Saffron and I were petrified to interview someone. We tried to interview someone but everyone was already being interviewed by other students. Then I saw a man just looking at the cage on the left of it. Me and Saffron shuddering, walked over to the guy. She tried walking away but I subtly pushed her toward the guy. She tried walking away again but before she could, I said, “Can we interview you quickly?” “Sure,” he said.  We only asked one question and that was: “What do you see in this piece?” Then he answered, “I see, I see two people on an adventure.”

I think next we should go to another of the 300 art pieces that are from Ai Weiwei.